The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Expert insights on the science of mental fitness. Topics include psychology, neuroscience, mental health, mindfulness meditation, productivity, brain technologies, Stoicism, happiness hacking, and more. Liam McClintock, the Founder of FitMind, talks with leaders in their fields, from neuroscientists and psychologists to Buddhist monks and professional athletes. At FitMind, we believe that the next great human frontier is the mind. FitMind combines ancient techniques with western psychology to provide mental fitness training that is taught at Fortune 500 companies, addiction centers, schools, government organizations, and on the FitMind meditation app. Liam McClintock received a B.A. from Yale and worked in finance before traveling to Asia to study meditation full-time. He is currently completing an MS in Applied Neuroscience at King’s College London. Liam is an RYS Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor and has trained in various meditation styles. He has been featured in Time, Vice, Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, NBC, and Men’s Health.
Episodes
Can cells outside the brain learn, remember, and make decisions?
In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin shares groundbreaking research that shows even non-neuronal cells can recognize patterns, count, and store information in ways strikingly similar to brain cells.
We explore:
- ...
Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain’s two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain’s dominance in modern culture leads to a fragmented, analytical worldview, while the right hemisphere offers a more connected, meaningful experience of reality.
Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health.
We explore the science behind self-compassion, its impact on performance and emotional regulation, and how to shift from self-criticism to a more constructive...
Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing.
From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only internal awareness, George explores how mindful movement can transform our thoughts, breath, and daily lives.
We discuss:
- How Tai Chi helped him heal chronic pain
- Breath and body awareness as daily meditation
- Taoist pe...
In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy.
Often misunderstood and mislabeled as “sensory deprivation,” Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what’s truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates...
This episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience.
We discuss the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize, challenging misconceptions like the belief that cognitive change is limited to early life.
Dr. Douyon explains how inherited mindsets shape thought patterns and how intentional habits can rewire the brain for better cognitive funct...
In this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and life satisfaction.
The discussion highlights the science behind relationships, the role of vulnerability in building meaningful bonds, and the value of awe in deepening connections. Dr. Dorsay provides practical insights for fo...
In this episode, Dr. Shamil Chandaria, an expert in consciousness, neuroscience, and AI, shares insights from his work on human experience and the intersection of technology and well-being.
He discusses the Bayesian brain theory and the free energy principle, explaining how the brain constructs reality by predicting and updating perceptions to reduce uncertainty and surprise.
Chandaria also explores how meditation helps break habit...
Stanford psychologist Fred Luskin, PhD, discusses the science of forgiveness, emphasizing the need to process grief as a foundation for emotional healing.
He explores practical ways to teach forgiveness to children and how adults can approach societal challenges with acceptance and meaning.
Luskin also introduces his 9 Steps to Forgiveness, a research-based framework for releasing resentment and fostering gratitude, offering listen...
In this episode, Dr. Andrew Litchy recounts his journey from life as a monk to becoming a naturopathic doctor.
He shares his insights on how meditation helped him manage ADHD and how it has become integral to both his personal life and professional practice.
The conversation spans topics from the daily life of a monk and the experience of ordination to practical tips on integrating mindfulness into a busy life.
How does the mind shape our reality? What happens when the conceptual mind turns off?
The answers might be found in the depths of meditation.
Doug Kraft has delved into the complexities of the mind from various perspectives: as a psychotherapist, writer, minister, meditation teacher, and through the lenses of bio-energetics and neuroscience.
In this episode, we discuss consciousness and the mind's role in constructing our reality. ...
How does the brain work at its deepest levels? And to what extent can we radically upgrade it, creating neuroplastic changes?
Ruben Laukkonen, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist, contemplative, speaker, and poet.
His eclectic background includes competing semi-professionally in Muay Thai Kickboxing, founding two businesses (including the first online market for bitcoin in Australia), and intensive meditation training.
Dr. Laukkonen ...
Dr. Anna Abraham is a psychologist and neuroscientist who investigates creativity and how we can optimize this key trait. She’s also a leading scholar on the study of human imagination.
On this episode, we discuss the key ingredients of a creative mind, how to become more creative, and how the brain can tell the difference between real and imaginary worlds.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind...
Nick Littlehales has been an elite sport recovery coach for nearly a quarter-century and is the bestselling author of Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps... and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind.
On this episode, we uncover the common myths and misunderstandings about sleep. We also discuss the circadian rhythm, chronotypes, polyphasic sleep, and treating sleep as recovery.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http:/...
Donald Hoffman, PhD is a cognitive scientist and author of The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes.
He is currently a professor at UC Irvine, where he studies consciousness, visual perception and evolutionary psychology.
On this episode, we “take the red pill” and hear Dr. Hoffman’s theory on why reality is not what it seems. He explains this complex topic by comparing reality to a user interface.
We dis...
Andrew Holecek is an author and meditation teacher with decades of intensive practice experience, including a 3-year silent retreat in the Tibetan tradition.
Andrew’s work combines ancient wisdom with modern science.
We discuss the insights gained from his lengthy silent retreat, the 2 vectors of enlightenment, how our minds construct our realities, and much more.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www....
Miguel Nicolelis, MD, PhD is a Brazilian neuroscientist and physician famous for his pioneering work in the field of brain-machine interface (BMI) technology.
Dr. Nicolelis’s extensive research with brain-machine interfaces blurs the lines between real life and science fiction.
In the episode, we discuss neuroprosthetics, monkeys controlling robots, brain-to-brain communication, and the ...
Edward Slingerland, PhD, is a Professor of Philosophy and Associate Member in the Asian Studies and Psychology Departments at the University of British Columbia. He's an expert on the cognitive science of ancient philosophies.
On this episode, we discuss the science of ancient concepts like Wu Wei (”effortless action”), hot vs cold cognition, ways to alter consciousness, the paradox of trying not to try, and much more.
Dr. Susana Martinez-Conde and Dr. Stephen Macknik are neuroscientists who specialize in the science of magic and illusion.
Both are professors of ophthalmology, neurology, and physiology & pharmacology at the Downstate Medical Center.
Together they pioneered the study of various aspects of magic such as perception, cognitive illusion, and attentional misdirection.
On this episode, we discuss how magic tricks fool the brain, why eve...
Dr. Elena Antonova is a neuroscientist and senior lecturer in psychology at Brunel University London.
Her research focuses on the effects of long-term mindfulness meditation practice in the hope of promoting mental wellbeing in the general population.
On this episode, we dive into the different approaches to meditation and the 4 levels of meditation practice development.
We also discuss w...
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